Improvement in key-fasteners



W. METOALP. Key-Fastener.

Patented July 8 1879,

UNITED STA ES PATENT OFFIOE.

' WILLIAM METOALF, OF TOLEDO, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN KE Y- FASTENERS Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 217,231, dated July 8, 1879 application filed March 6, 1879.

' Figure 1 is afront view. Fig. 2 is a section 1 on the line a- .r, and Fig. 3 is a section on the line y 3 Corresponding parts in the several figures are denoted by like letters of reference.

This invention relates to devices for retaining and securing keys in key-holes and it 0011- sists in certain improvements in the construction of the same, which will be hereinafter more fully described, and particularly pointed out in the claim.

In the drawings, A represents the key-hole plate. This plate is provided upon its under side with a recess, the sides Of which are dovetailed, so as to admit a sliding plate, B, provided with a handle, (3, which may be ornamental, so as to form, apparently, a part of the key-hole plate. It will be observed that this plate, when slid into the recess, covers the key-hole, with the exception of a slot, D, which is formed in said plate to admit the shank of the key.

Upon the rear side of plate B is secured a pin, E, which is bent inwardly into the keyhole, so as to preventthe complete withdrawal of the plate. This pin is made of spring-wire, and also creates sufficient friction to prevent the plate from being easily displaced.

From the foregoing description, and by reference to the drawings hereto annexed, the operation of my invention will be easily understood. After inserting the key into the key-hole, the plate B is slid into the recess, thus partly covering the key hole, and preventing the withdrawal of the key.

When a flatshanked key is used said shank will enter the slot D in plate B, thus preventing the key from being turned.

I am aware of the patents to White, March 19, 1878, Taylor, March 14, 1876, and Phillips, August 1, 1876, and I claim nothing that is shown in said patents; but,

Having thus described my invention, I

claim .and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States The combination, with the key-hole plate A, having upon its rear side a dovetailed recess, of the plate B, adapted to slide in said recess, and provided with the handle 0, slot D, and spring-pin E, the end of which is bent to project into the key-hole, thus forming a stop for the sliding plate, the whole arranged and operating substantially as herein described, for the purpose shown and specified.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM METOALF.

Witnesses M. B. DOYLE, J. O. BIKE. 

